The Battle of the Bulge in Men

There is the tendency for men to gain belly fat as they age.  With age, less physical activity and loss of muscle mass make maintaining a healthy weight a challenge.  The problem, physiologically, is that belly fat is both just below the skin (subcutaneous) and inside the abdomen (visceral) surrounding internal organs.  Regardless of weight, a large amount of belly fat is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and colorectal cancer.  For men, a true waist measurement of greater than 40 inches is indicative of too much belly fat.  While exercise can strengthen abdominal muscles, the only way to reduce visceral fat is to eat a diet higher in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low saturated fat.  With age, portion sizes should be reduced also.  And, as we have referenced in this blog many times, moderate aerobic activity of at least two and a half hours per week can be included in your daily routine.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309